CRB and working with the vulnerable

[apollo_24]

Hi there guys. I just wanted to pick you brains on the following.

I run a part time mobile beauty and massage business. And have received an email from a residential care home, that just happens to specialise in mental health problems. (from the owner). He advises me that one of the residents is interested in a massage from me.

Now these residents would be classed be default as 'vulnerable'.
I know you would need a full CRB check if you were left alone with them during the treatment.

IF however you were supervised by a person with the full CRB check that worked in the care home during the whole treatment then you could.
Now the question. Would you take copies of their paper work to document that you were supervised during that treatment? Im also guessing the consultation process with the client would be rather a nightmare. Would they really be able to sign to say the information is correct?
Or should I just decline the booking for an easy life?

Thanks guys

 

[nicole333]

The Home office website gives details on do's and dont's on CRB's. I've just looked and it says the self employed cannot apply for CRB, it has to be an employer that does that.

I would also suggest never to guess anything would be a nightmare regarding dealing with anyone who has mental health issues.

You need to speak to the person who contacted you to get the facts on that persons capacity to consent.
I would imagine that they would be able to make the decision that their client is appropriate for a treatment, otherwise they wouldn't have contacted you. Nevertheless, you need to ask the questions.

 

[pinkfairy]

I have to agree, you should not be assuming that the consultation will be a 'nightmare' due to the potential client having a mental illness.
The person who contacted you obviously deems the client to be fit for treatment. You must have a chaperone present at all times during consultation and treatment and ensure that the client understands what the treatment will entail.

This client could turn out to be a regular. I can't help you regarding the CRB check but I would assume that the workers in the care home would all have them and they will chaperone x

 

[celtica]

I used to work in an Holistic clinic and a local home used to bring residents in for massage. They were always chaperoned and if I remember rightly the matron/manager of the home filled in the consultation forms. Although they had mental health problems it was decided that the treatments helped them for relaxation. And if any problems arose between visits we were always informed and asked if treatments could go ahead. I didn't realize individuals couldn't get their own CRB checks I was going to get one to do children's pamper parties.

 

[Inspired]

You don't need a CRB if you're going to work supervised. You wouldn't be able to take a copy of their paperwork to confirm you were supervised due to confidentiality but you could have something of your own written for them to sign.

It would depend on the mental health issue as to whether it consultation etc would be a problem. But I wouldn't discount it. I am a mental health nurse so have lots of experience if you want any advice. Good luck.

 

[RebeccaQ]

I am a self employed childminder and I obtained a CRB and parents of children at playgroup have also obtained one, I also know others who work with the vulnerable on a self-employed basis...one is a drama teacher, so look into it. Perhaps a manager at the home could give you a letter confirming the details and then the member of staff that supervised you could sign before and after the treatment to say everything was ok.
It wouldn't take long to sort something out that safeguards you and the client and everyone deserves to be able to have a treatment...disabled or not xx